THE “Road to NCT” Junior Badminton Championship ended amid hopes of a better future for the sport.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil called for efforts to unearth more young talent in various sports.
“This event is vital to nurture new talent, as this is what Malaysia needs,” said Fahmi during the finale at Sports Arena Sentosa, Kuala Lumpur.
He expressed hope that more such sporting events would be held in the coming years.
The event for those aged 15 and under was sponsored by property developer NCT Alliance Bhd in partnership with Petaling Badminton Club.
It began in January and was held in six states – Melaka, Pahang, Selangor, Sabah, Penang and Kuala Lumpur. More than 3,000 youngsters took part.
The top prize for four winners was all-expenses paid trips to the Paris 2024 Olympics in August.
“Our aim is to provide an inclusive platform, with the support of Petaling Badminton Club, that would allow youths an opportunity to excel at badminton,” said NCT Alliance executive chairman and group managing director Datuk Seri Yap Ngan Choy.
He added that the company was looking into expanding the tournament to include more states.